• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
    • Contact
    • Press & Partnerships
    • Copyright/Disclosure
    • Links/Parties/Giveaways
    • HOI Friends
      • Toni Roberts
      • Tauni Everett
      • Tammy Mitchell
      • Randi Dukes
      • Michelle Stewart
      • Mariah Leeson
      • Mandy Beyeler
      • Lindi Haws
      • Kim Byers
      • Ashley Johnston
      • House of Ideas
  • Videos
  • SHOP

Design Dazzle

Inspiration for kids rooms, baby nurseries, and kids parties

  • My Home
    • Home Tour
    • Christmas Home Tour
  • My Projects
    • My Projects
    • Companies I Have Worked With
    • Michaels Makers
  • DIY/Decor
    • top tutorials
  • crafts
  • celebrations
    • parties
    • christmas
    • halloween
    • thanksgiving/fall
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter/Spring
    • mother’s day
    • father’s day
    • patriotic
    • School/Teacher/Graduation
    • Gift Ideas
    • weddings
    • best ideas
  • Recipes
    • Meals
    • Instant Pot/Crock Pot
    • Desserts
    • Treats & Snacks
  • travel
  • free printables
  • Lifestyle
    • organization
    • Preparedness
    • Healthy Living
  • kids
    • kids parties
    • kids rooms
      • cool bedroom ideas
    • summer camp/crafts
You are here: Home / kids / Hosting an Outdoor Movie Night in 5 Simple Steps

June 28, 2016

Hosting an Outdoor Movie Night in 5 Simple Steps

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SweeterTogether #CollectiveBias

I love spending warm summer nights with family and friends and there is just something so magical about watching a movie under the stars. Today I’m sharing ideas for hosting an outdoor movie night in 5 simple steps – so you can plan one, too!

Ideas for hosting an outdoor movie night! Step by step tutorial on how to set a darling farm theme refreshment table | Design Dazzle
Now, let’s get on with the steps for hosting an outdoor movie night!

Step 1 – Choose A Movie

Hosting an Outdoor Movie in 5 Simple Steps www.DesignDazzle.com

You want to choose a film that fits your audience. If kids are attending, make sure the movie is appropriate for families. For my outdoor movie night I chose Babe. This is such a darling movie! If you haven’t seen it and you enjoy heartwarming movies, check it out!

 

Step 2 – Choose A Theme

Use your movie as the inspiration for your party decor and treats or decide on a theme and choose a movie. I selected on a fun farm theme for our movie night (I have lots of farm decor). This was the reason I choose the movie Babe! There are also some other great movie selections that has a farm theme or feel to it – Charlotte’s Web (excellent movie for kids and families) and Places in The Heart are a couple of suggestions.

Hosting an Outdoor Movie in 5 Simple Steps www.DesignDazzle.com

 

To keep set-up simple I shopped my own home decor for the tablescape. I looked for crates, burlap, and anything with galvanized steel. I didn’t specifically choose red but a lot of my accent pieces were red so I decided to go with it! I love this sign – “ice cream is always a good idea”. Ice cream was placed in both a galvanized steel tray and chicken feeder. The chicken feeder is brand new it is a reproduction.

Hosting an Outdoor Movie in 5 Simple Steps www.DesignDazzle.com

Step 3 – Seating and Comfort

Have your guests bring their own blankets and chairs and remind them to dress in layers to keep warm! We have plenty of room for friends to bring blankets, beach chair or camping chairs. Provide bug repellent if you need to. We have a bottle of bug spray for guests to use if they choose too. For some reason, the bugs really love my hubby but usually leave me alone ; ) Also, make sure to have lighting nearby that guests can still enjoy the movie in the dark but can easily get to the refreshement table or restroom.

Hosting an Outdoor Movie in 5 Simple Steps | Design Dazzle

Step 4 – Equipment

For an outdoor movie you’ll need an outdoor screen, projector, DVD player, and speakers. Make sure your speakers are good quality for small crowds of people.

Hosting an Outdoor Movie in 5 Simple Steps | Design Dazzle

 

 

Step 5 – Pre-Prep Refreshments

Hosting an Outdoor Movie in 5 Simple Steps www.DesignDazzle.com

You can’t have a movie night without refreshments and a cold treat so I went to Walmart to pick up some yummy DREYER’S Ice Cream (so easy to find in the freezer aisle). Everyone loves a good scoop or two of ice cream!

IMG_4654-1

I like to pre-scoop ice cream ahead of time. It is a great way to serve a lot of ice cream and still have time to spend with your guests. Pre-scoop ice cream into individual containers and place on a cookie sheet in the freezer the day before your party so it has time to set up and freeze hard again. You’ll be so happy you did this when it’s party time and all the work has already been done! When serving the ice cream, place ice or dry ice on your serving tray to help keep the ice cream cold.

Hosting an Outdoor Movie Night in 5 Simple Steps | Design Dazzle

 

I served DREYER’S SLOW CHURNED® Caramel Delight Light Ice Cream, DREYER’S SLOW CHURNED® Vanilla Light Ice Cream, DREYER’S with Nestlé Butterfinger® Peanut Butter Cups, and DREYER’S with Nestlé Baby Ruth® during our movie night. Chalkboard signs are used to share the ice cream flavors.

DREYER’S has some delicious flavors inspired by classic candy favorites. They are made with fresh milk and cream with no rBST and they do not contain artificial flavors or colors.

DREYER’S SLOW CHURNED® Simple Recipes are made with real, simple ingredients like fresh milk and cream. In addition to not containing artificial flavors or colors, they do not contain GMO ingredients.

If you’d like to attend a free demo you can check the schedule here.

Hosting an Outdoor Movie in 5 Simple Steps www.DesignDazzle.com

 

Hosting an Outdoor Movie Night in 5 Simple Steps | Design Dazzle

Hosting an Outdoor Movie in 5 Simple Steps www.DesignDazzle.com

 

Another simple refreshment tip is to purchase pre-made treats. Check the bakery for mini pies and cupcakes while you’re out picking up your ice cream and stock up on fresh seasonal summer fruit (cherries, peaches, etc) and other treats that are ready to go. Water is always refreshing and an easy, family-friendly beverage choice.

 

Beach banner

Ideas for hosting an outdoor movie night! Step by step tutorial on how to set a darling farm theme refreshment table | Design Dazzle

There is not a better way to embrace summer than with an evening gathering under the stars watching movies, chatting and eating!

Party Tutorial: How-to Set A Farm Party Table

I have a DIY hanging table that we removed from under our patio and moved it out so it would be in a better position for refreshments. I always shop my home for all my party theme decor. I check every room to see what could possible work for my theme.

Ideas for hosting an outdoor movie night! Step by step tutorial on how to set a darling farm theme refreshment table | Design Dazzle

 

Place the largest objects on the table first. In this case, it is a barrel and hay bale – both very farm appropriate.

Ideas for hosting an outdoor movie night! Step by step tutorial on how to set a darling farm theme refreshment table | Design Dazzle

Find a place for your drink dispenser. Position crates and signs in the best spot.

Ideas for hosting an outdoor movie night! Step by step tutorial on how to set a darling farm theme refreshment table | Design Dazzle

Now is the time to start bring out food serving trays with food or without depending on what it is.

 

Ideas for hosting an outdoor movie night! Step by step tutorial on how to set a darling farm theme refreshment table | Design Dazzle

The last details are cutlery, cups, straws, more food items.

Ideas for hosting an outdoor movie night! Step by step tutorial on how to set a darling farm theme refreshment table | Design Dazzle

The very last detail is the food that needs to be brought out while the guests are there – such as the ice cream!! Earlier I had brought out the empty serving trays for the ice cream to make sure there was plenty of room for the trays.

Ideas for hosting an outdoor movie night! Step by step tutorial on how to set a darling farm theme refreshment table | Design Dazzle

I hope you are inspired to host a fun outdoor movie night with family or friends this summer! Don’t forget to pick up some DREYER’S Ice Cream when you do!

signature_toni.jpg

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

More ideas like this...

Don't Miss Out!

Thank you for subscribing to the Design Dazzle newsletter. You will soon receive an email asking you to confirm your subscription. Make sure to clink the link in the email!

Don't Miss Out!

Enjoy DIY, crafts, home decor ideas, free printables, travel tips and more!

More related ideas by Toni

  • The Return of Family Movie Night
  • Family Movie Night: Ideas and Planning Tips
  • Movie Star Party
  • Fabulous Outdoor Chalkboard

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Briton Alo says

    June 28, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    My kids would LOVE to host a movie night for their friends in our yard! Thank you for sharing this adorable party 🙂 Can I ask where you got your movie screen?

    Reply
    • Toni - Design Dazzle says

      June 28, 2016 at 1:58 pm

      It’s really a way to share a fun summer evening with friends!
      Toni

      Reply
  2. Melanie says

    June 28, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    What a lovely party! My kids would definitely like this. Where did you get the movie screen? I may need to pick one up! #client

    Reply
    • Toni - Design Dazzle says

      June 29, 2016 at 11:18 am

      Thank you, Melanie! It sure is a fun way to spend a summer evening! I purchased the 144″ size screen Camp Chef here http://amzn.to/295JXLA #affiliate

      Reply
  3. Anna says

    July 13, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    I love the little red sign. Where did you get it?

    Reply
    • Toni - Design Dazzle says

      July 16, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      Hi Anna,
      I’ve had the red wood frame for years not sure where I purchased it. We made the chalkboard sign. Hoping to offer the sign as a free printable soon!
      Toni

      Reply
  4. Jody says

    July 17, 2016 at 12:04 am

    Can you please share with me the projector, speakers and DVD you use?! I’ve been looking at projectors for this very reason & am not sure which one would be best for this type of application. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Toni - Design Dazzle says

      July 21, 2016 at 5:20 pm

      Hi Jody!
      I spent a lot of time researching for just the right products. I don’t have a speaker to recommend because we returned ours. Just wasn’t happy with the loudness. When you are outside you really need to have loud speakers. I will say – I love our projector and screen. We purchased both on Amazon. The projector is http://amzn.to/29ZvkLs The projector is not cheap. We decided to bite the bullet knowing we were going to have this for many, many years.
      The Camp Chef Screen is 144 inch screen and is found here: http://amzn.to/29Pf8y6
      Good luck!
      Toni

      Reply
  5. desi j says

    June 22, 2017 at 8:20 pm

    Such great ideas for hosting a movie night. I really like the farm theme! Hopefully I can do something like this during the summer.

    Reply
    • Toni - Design Dazzle says

      March 12, 2018 at 4:32 pm

      Such a great neighborhood activity.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Img 0422

Hi, I’m Toni! Welcome to my blog Design Dazzle. I love being a designer, DIYer, traveler, crafter, holiday lover, and memory maker. Read more.

Toni Roberts is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

DesignDazzle.com is protected by copyright laws. DO NOT distribute or copy the content or share multiple images or collage images without written permission. You can use ONE Design Dazzle image only if there is a link back to DesignDazzle.com. DO NOT edit, crop, or remove watermarks from any image. Please contact me at toni@designdazzle.com with any questions.

About | Contact Us | Privacy and Legal

© 2017 Design Dazzle · All Rights Reserved.